Once again, it was an interesting Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. For seven days, editors, bloggers, and press engrossed themselves in fashion presentations to view the Autumn|Winter 2013 collections. These collections were a stunning array of vibrant colors, including grape, plum, royal blue, and of course, Pantone’s color of the year- emerald. Below, are some highlights from the week:

Nicholas K | Nicholas K inaugurated the week with siblings Nicholas and Christopher having given off a wintry feel for sure. Smart layering provided the Nicholas K signature look. It was both edgy and cool with the color palette of black, gray, taupe, white, and teal.

 

 

Tadashi Shoji | From the Arctic chill at Nicholas K the festivities then transitioned to Russian royalty with love from Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji. Each look delivered warmth and a strong representation of unique sophistication. Sapphire blue, burgundy red, and subtle blacks dominated the collection with dusty rose and white bringing a casting light. The tailoring was exquisite and the textures of lace, chiffon, and sequins were noteworthy.  It really shows why he’s become a presence on the Hollywood red carpets year after year.

 

 

Diane von Furstenberg | Once the Fashion Week ball started rolling, there were so many shows coming out that if one didn’t stop to catch her breath, she’d be really flustered. One show that really brought the party was Diane von Furstenberg’s. A glam rock party, mind you, it felt like we had time warped back to Studio 54. DVF is for the empowering woman; the working mom, the corporate lady, or the city gal; and she has always proven time and time again that one’s wardrobe is like a best friend. Gold lamé pants, bright colored jumpsuits, and metallic leopard prints were sensational. The power suit in hot pink paired with an orange blouse really stood out for me. Reptile skin, fur trims, leather, sheer silk, and of course, her signature wrap dress all came down the runway to the sound of Donna Summer’s Love to Love You Baby. I may not have been dancing away during the disco period, but DVF really made me wish that there was a thing called time travel.

 

 

Bibhu Mohapatra | Glamour was not lacking and one designer that really showcased this feel was Bibhu Mohapatra. In an interview he had said that Man Ray’s images inspired his fall collection- from a daytime look with a jacquard coat and mosaic patterns to draped and beaded gowns giving a romantic 1930s feel. His showstopper, though, had been a fully embellished deep V-gown with a dramatic tulle bottom.

 

 

Helmut Lang | The striking winter layers from Helmut Lang would surely make you wish for this collection to be out now. Design duo Nicole and Michael Colovos said that their inspiration came from the Picasso Black and White exhibit that was displayed at the Guggenheim Museum. The monochromatic looks that came down the runway were extremely polished. Many graphic prints followed by texture; namely leather, fur, and silk; made up Helmut Lang’s cubist patterns.

 

 

Marc Jacobs | In all that is Fashion Week, it was very befitting that Marc Jacobs closed it even though his original location had to be postponed. A blaring sun suspended in the air washed the models and audience in a yellowish hue. Yes, patterns and texture were visible, but it wasn’t until the lights were turned on and the models took a second walk around that one could really see the structured tops, hotpants, and stunning knee-length rounded fur and fabric coats. Highlights included the liquid gowns in gold, silver, and blue adorned with fur capelets, stoles, and lapels.

 

 

Alas it has ended, and although there is more to see this fashion month, I truly look forward to September for Spring|Summer 2014 in New York. | Marielle Larkin

 

 

 

 

 

 

pictures courtesy George Chinsee, Giovanni Giannoni, Thomas Iannaccone, Robert Mitra